Girls' basketball playoff capsules for 5A, 4A

A berth in the quarterfinals and a trip to the Denver Coliseum is just one win away as teams hit the round of 16 on Tuesday in the 5A and 4A girls' basketball playoffs.

In 5A, only two teams not in the top 16 are still alive, while only one team has surprised in 4A - No. 21 The Classical Academy.

We'll see if the round of 16 stays true to form and sends eight top teams on to Denver.

Class 5A

No. 23 Fairview vs. No. 7 Doherty

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Where: At Doherty

What to know: Fairview's 15-10 record, 4-8 Front Range League record and No. 23 RPI rating are deceptive. The Knights had to forfeit eight games (in which they had gone 6-2) due to an ineligible player, according to BoCopreps.com. Seven of the eight games came in league play. It was not specified who the player was or if she would return, though the report said it was unlikely she'd be back. Regardless, Doherty (23-1) will know to disregard that 15-10 record and consider the Knights dangerous, especially after they upset No. 10 Monarch by eight in the second round. Doherty defeated league rival Rampart for the third time this season to advance to the round of 16.

No. 13 Pine Creek vs. No. 4 Ralston Valley

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Where: At Ralston Valley

What to know: Pine Creek (18-6) is into the round of 16 for the third consecutive season. The Eagles are riding a six-game winning streak, including a 20-point blowout over No. 20 Poudre in the second round. Ralston Valley (23-1), a semifinalist a season ago, lost its season opener Dec. 2. The Mustangs haven't lost since, outscoring opponents by 34 points per game along the way. Four players average at least 11 points for the Mustangs, led by Ashley Van Sickle (16.3 ppg) and Micheala Shaklee (14.0). Courtney Stanton leads Pine Creek at 11.5 ppg.

Class 4A

No. 10 Pueblo East vs. No. 7 Mesa Ridge

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Where: At Mesa Ridge

What to know: Mesa Ridge (20-4) is coming off a 19-point win over No. 39 Cheyenne Mountain. Being in the round of 16 is nothing new for the Grizzlies, who reached the quarterfinals last season and who are three seasons removed from a state title. Leading scorer Chloe Welch averages 18.0 ppg, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists. Sophomore Ashley Bowen has eight double-doubles. Pueblo East (17-7) held Canon City six points below its season average in the Eagles' second-round win over the Tigers.

No. 13 Rifle vs. No. 4 Air Academy

When: Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.

Where: At Air Academy

What to know: Air Academy (20-4) seems to be healthy. Following two losses in three games, the Kadets looked like their old selves when they routed No. 29 Berthoud in the second round 51-16 - yes, 16. Next up is Rifle (21-3), which hasn't lost since Jan. 5. Since, the Bears have won 16 in a row. They escaped with a three-point win over No. 20 Green Mountain in the second round. Katelin Gallegos, who averages more than 14 ppg, added another 19 for the Kadets in Friday's win. Rifle (which has stats through only 20 games) is led by Elly Walters' 12.8 ppg.

No. 21 TCA vs. No. 5 Windsor

When: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Where: At Windsor

What to know: We told you The Classical Academy (20-5) was underrated. The Titans held on for a four-point win to upset No. 12 Discovery Canyon last week. Now, the Titans get a big step up in competition when they trek north to Windsor (18-6), the runner-up in the Tri-Valley League. Four of Windsor's losses are to teams alive in the tournament. The Wizards' Michaela Moran leads the team with 10.6 ppg. McClain Walker leads the Titans with 13.1 ppg. RaeAnn Queener averages 9.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg.